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Bill Iffrig, a 78-year-old runner knocked off his feet by the Boston

Marathon bombings, quickly got up and crossed the finish line.

 

 

We Get Knocked Down, But Get Back Up Again (Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Germany)

 

"There is no rational explanation for running 26.21 miles, even in Boston, the oldest marathon in the world. They are symbols of the kind of physical performance no one really needs to achieve to survive in the modern world. ... Without question, marathons will be better secured in the future. But whether a terrorist strikes doesn't only depend on the police. It also depends on how people react. The 78-year-old Bill Iffrig symbolizes the irrationality of sport, which can triumph even in a moment of terror."

 

By Michael Reinsch

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Translated By Jonathan Lobsien

 

April 18, 2013

 

Germany - Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung - Original Article (German)

As one of the bombs exploded, a white-haired runner in a red jersey crumpled to the ground. His photo spreads across the world. After the attack on the Boston Marathon, police officers helped the man to his feet while volunteers tended to the dead and wounded, and cameras captured the horrific scene. He was one of the lucky ones, escaping with only a scraped knee. And with a few more steps, he was across the finish line. The runner, 78 year old Bill Iffrig, later said that he had run 26 miles, and that he wasn't going to give up so close to finishing. He is shocked by the attack, which cost three people their lives and wounded approximately 140 others, some seriously. But he is also proud. In his age group, he says he finished second [video below].

Posted By Worldmeets.US

 

There is no rational explanation for running 26.21 miles, even in Boston, the oldest marathon in the world. And yet these long-distance runs are street festivals with international appeal. They are symbols of the kind of physical performance no one really needs to achieve to survive in the modern world. A handful of top athletes race out in front, with about a zillion others following behind, and hundreds of thousands cheering them on.

 

The terrible blasts have turned the traditional marathon on Patriots' Day into a day of death and terror. People who had trained for months or years to complete the run have lost their legs. But should Bill Iffrig, perhaps, have stopped to help, instead of staggering across the finish line?

 

Terror filled the crowds on the streets of Boston on Monday, and as of Tuesday, its author was still unknown. He struck at a symbol of the spirit of challenge, achievement, and the joy that it brings: sport. One could simply go without sport altogether - unlike the public transportation systems that were targeted for bombings in Madrid and London and, fortunately without success, Germany. If were rational, perhaps we should.

 

Finally, no 26-mile stretch of road can be completely secured in any free country in the world. But what does rationality mean when the challenge to conquer such a run has become part of our lifestyle? In any case, Bill Iffrig wasn't pondering this question when, as though in a trance, he got back up and kept on running.

 

Without question, marathon routes will be better secured in the future. But whether a terrorist strikes doesn't only depend on the police. It also depends on how people react. Bill Iffrig symbolizes the irrationality of sport, which can triumph even in a moment of terror.

 

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SEE ALSO ON THIS:

Al-Iraq News, Iraq: 'Having Sown the Wind ... America Reaps the Whirlwind'

The Nation, Pakistan: After Boston Attack, Humanity Must 'Look Within Itself'

La Jornada, Mexico: After Boston, Washington's Next Moves will be Telling

O Globo, Brazil: Terrorist Attacks Must Not Prompt 'Laws of Exception'

Polityka, Poland: Anonymous Attacks and the Vain Search for 'Absolute Security'

China Daily, China: Like 9-11, Boston Attack Threatens Global Economic Recovery

The Hindu, India: After Boston Attack, Rights of Accused Again Under Threat

Times of India, India: Boston Calls for Support of America, Not Criticism of it

Hindustan Times, India: Boston Shows America 'Still in the Danger Zone'

Le Figaro, France: From Boston to Guantanamo: Protecting Freedom When it Hurts

Irish Times, Ireland: 'Dark Forces' Behind Boston Murders 'Should Not Dictate Events'

Belfast Herald, North Ireland: Northern Ireland Understands Pain, and Stands With Boston

Der Spiegel, Germany: Show of Solidarity: Europe Outraged by Boston Attack
Debka File, Israel: Saudi Terror Cell, Possibly al-Qaeda, Behind Boston Bombings
Jerusalem Post, Israel: Boston, Israel and the Demands of Resilience

Sotal Iraq, Iraq: Will Americans Learn the Right Lesson from Boston Bombings?

Telegraph, U.K.: Boston Marathon Bombings - 'America the Vulnerable'

SCMP, Hong Kong: U.S. Coverage of Boston Bombing 'Holds Lessons' for China

Guardian, U.K.: After the Bomb, Mass Hysteria is Boston Terrorist's Greatest Weapon
BBC News, U.K.: Obama's Cautious Approach on Boston Attacks
Daily Mail, U.K.: 'Murdered at the Marathon'

Telegraph, U.K.: Boston Marathon is the Oldest in the World

 

 

CLICK HERE FOR GERMAN VERSION

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Posted By Worldmeets.US Apr. 18, 2013, 7:39am